Guide to Online Finance Degrees

OnlineFinanceDegree.org is an information hub for degrees and careers in finance, filled with resources for students and graduates. Go into finance and you’re entering a world of investments, business, and the crossroads at which time and money intersect. Finance explores assessing risks, asset value over time, and how to plan for the future.

Earning a finance degree can prepare students for positions as financial analysts, accountants, financial advisors, loan officers, collectors, treasurers, and many other in-demand careers. This field is full of opportunity and security for those with an interest in business, banking and financial services, and economics.

Liberty University – Liberty University is an online school with over 90 campuses in the United States. If you don’t live near a campus, you can also take advantage of their online degrees that can be completed using any modern computer. Lberty offers distance learning programs for an BSBA and DBA in Finance.

Ashford University – For students wanting tradition, history, and a well-respected reputation, Ashford University is a popular choice for online programs. The school, located in San Diego, California, offers two degrees in finance: the MBA and BBA in Finance. While the MBA is more suited for students with degrees and experience, the BA program can help you start your career. Ashford University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001, wascsenior.org.

Kaplan University – With over 70 campuses across the country, Kaplan University remains one of the most popular schools for education, especially in the online realm. Their programs such as the MBA or MS in Finance take a results-oriented approach to education, not only teaching students the skills they need but how to utilize them as well.

Walden University – Walden University is one of the most recognized and trusted names in higher learning. Walden offers multiple finance degrees including a DBA, MBA, and BSBA. Each program is geared towards students at different points in their careers, but all of them can be completed entirely online with no on-site time required.

Finance Degrees and Programs

If you’re interested in studying finance, we say go for it. Why? Many schools offer finance degrees at all education levels, both online and in the classroom. And the job market needs finance graduates to fill a number of positions in a variety of sectors.

There are many finance degrees, and we have listed just a few below.

Associate of Business: This is one of the few two-year degrees that can lead to a career in finance such as credit analyst.

Bachelor of Arts – Finance: One of the few BA’s in finance, the bulk of the core classes for this degree are in the arts.

Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance: The BBA is increasing in popularity and offers many concentrations, including finance.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Financial Analysis: Students learn and study for a career as a financial analyst or other related area.

Bachelor of Science in Business – Finance: The BSB is another popular choice for students looking to study business and can be given in the finance specialty.

Master of Business Administration – Finance: The MBA is a staple of the business world and in addition to finance can be awarded in business, management, and even human capital.

Master of Science in Financial Management: The MS is offered online and can even offer finance concentrations in addition to information systems and international business.

Master of International Management: Learn finance on the global level with the help of this graduate degree.

Doctor of Business Administration – Finance: Get a doctorate level MBA with a concentration in finance by earning this degree.

PhD in Management – Finance : Students of this degree learn financial theory, systems, and practices on a foundation of management and decision sciences.

And the above are just some of the finance degrees available, with many other schools offering additional online options for students.

Where Can I Find Online Finance Degree Rankings?

Before researching rank, be sure that the degrees and programs you are interested in are accredited. A quick visit to the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs will verify a school’s accreditation. Simply type in your schools of interest into the search engine to determine status as well as what agencies have accredited them.

If an official ranking of finance schools is absolutely needed, there is always U.S. News & World Report’s yearly Best Colleges offering. They even rank schools by type, including this list for best undergraduate business schools in finance. You can also get loads of other rankings on other schools.

There are also entities that rank the best in all business schools. One of the best known names in business, Bloomberg, has a special section on business schools and also features rankings and profiles. Another good option for business students is the MBA Insider. They feature the inside scoop on the best schools for finance/investment banking, management/consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship. They even offer an introduction to finance, how to choose a school, and what careers are available after graduation.

Can I Transfer Online Finance Degree School Credits?

Whether you already have a college degree and are looking to add an online finance degree or just have a few collegiate level courses complete, you can be eligible for transfer credits. These act as credits for classes already taken, eliminating having to repeat any classes and save both time and money. Because transfer credits are so important, it is vital to research any future school’s policy on them before deciding on which to attend.

Even if you do qualify for some transfer credits, there are still obstacles to obtaining the maximum number possible. One of the most common is the issue of nationally accredited versus the regionally accredited. Although both may be listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s Database, many different accrediting agencies are also utilized. If attempting to switch between schools that have been accredited by different agencies, especially from regional to national or vice versa, transfer credits are less likely to happen. If switching between schools that have been accredited by the same agency or agencies, transfer credits are more likely to happen.

What Can I Do with a Finance Degree?

There are many careers available with an online finance degree, a few of which are listed below, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment will continue to increase in this field:

Credit Analyst: They review credit histories and other relevant information in making decisions about whether or not credit applications will be approved.

Loan Officer: Issuing loans, including amount issued, interest charged, and repayment schedules are all part of this finance career.

Financial Accountant: This career involves categorizing, measuring, and documenting the transactions of an organization.

Financial Analyst: These analysts assess the performance of stocks, bonds, commodities, and other types of investments.

Financial Controller: Similar to the above, a financial controller encompasses all areas of accounting from forecasting to advising on potential acquisitions and other business decisions.

Senior Financial Analyst: With a finance degree and years of experience this career can be obtained.

Finance Manager: They oversee the preparation of financial reports, direct investment activities, and implement cash management strategies, as well as other financial tasks.

Finance Director: These leaders often head up an entire finance department for a company, corporation, or organization.

Chief Financial Officer: The CFO holds the ultimate responsibility for achieving a company’s financial goals and is responsible for reporting accurate information about the organization’s financial performance.

What Educational Paths Can Finance Students Take?

The first step to becoming a finance professional is an education. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area of finance and some even require a master’s degree. With a high school diploma or equivalent, it takes an average of four years of study to earn an online finance bachelor’s degree. Those with a qualifying bachelor’s degree take two years to earn a master’s degree in finance or four years to earn a PhD in finance, although the bachelor’s degree doesn’t necessarily have to be in finance depending on the school.

Once a degree has been earned, a license may be required to work in the securities area of finance. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority offers securities professionals conferences, boot camps, and even online learning tools. Simply visit to learn more and get other tools such as checklists, tutorials, and even interactive options.

Although no certification is required for a career in finance, there are many available and can help a job candidate stand out. Some of the most popular choices are from the CFA Institute. The two certifications offered are for Chartered Financial Analysts and in Certificate in Investment Performance Management. Both have require prerequisites such as a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience before students can attempt to obtain them.